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I <br />I <br />I <br />I <br />I <br />I <br /> <br />I <br />I <br />I <br />I <br />I <br />I <br /> <br />for using ~these before and we have two methods of recovering this charge. <br />would be to bill the utility companies and the other is this fee. <br /> <br />Mr. Fountain'inquired why this has not been such a serious matter in the past. <br /> <br />One method <br /> <br />Mr. Schroeder stated that in the Metro Area, franchise fees have been an issue of <br />discussiOn in the past 10 to 15 years. The discussions have increased in intensity in the last <br />10 years and even more so in the last four years due to fiscal constraints encumbered by <br />cities. The State used to deliver services free to cities, now there's a charge for those too. <br /> <br />Mr. Fouptain stated that he realized all the cities are not getting the redistribution of tax <br />dollars, .but felt that the City's relationship with utilities have been just fine. If the <br />ordinance.passes as Staff recommends, it will create an "elite citizen", (the business owner) <br />as they receive the service the same as the resident; however, they will not be charged the <br />fee. <br /> <br />A1 Pearson, 14821 Bowers Drive N.W., Ramsey, stated he understands the need for more <br />money and this is a "pass the buck situation". He felt it should be more "up front". He has <br />three power lines in his yard which he donated land for and now he has to pay a franchise <br />fee. He! stated it "doesn't sit good". He added the power company will be blamed for <br />what's happening. <br /> <br />Councilmember Peterson stated the power company will make it clear to its customers <br />where the' increase comes from. He stated that there has been discussion about having <br />commercial/industrial participate in the fee also; however, they pay three to four times more <br />in taxes .than a resident. <br /> <br />Motion by Councilmember Peterson and seconded by Councilmember Beyer to introduce <br />the ordinance establishing the franchise fees at the rate of 3% on residential revenues. <br /> <br />Motion failed. Voting Yes: Councilmembers Peterson and Beyer. Voting No: Mayor <br />Gilberts0n, Councilmembers Hardin and Zimmerrnan. <br /> <br />ConsensUs of the Council was to table this item until further information is received from <br />the legislature regarding the funding cuts so the City has something to base its figures on. <br /> <br />Case ~eT: 1993 Ramsey Clean-up Day <br /> <br />Motion by Councilmember Hardin and seconded by Councilmember Zimmerman to <br />schedule the 1993 Ramsey Clean-up Day for May 8, 1993. <br /> <br />Motion carried. Voting Yes: Mayor Gilbertson, Councilmembers Hardin, Zimmerman, <br />Beyer and Peterson. Voting No: None. <br /> <br />Case #8: Request Authorization for Annual Becky Weiss Bike Road-co <br /> <br />Police Chief Auspos stated there really was no information available at this time, but that he <br />would keep Council posted. <br /> <br />Case gg: Request Authorization for Annual Pet Clinic <br /> <br />Motion by Councilmember Hardin and seconded by Councilmember Zimmerman to <br />authorizeCity Staff to schedule the Pet Clinic for May 1, 1993. <br /> <br />Motion carried. Voting Yes: Mayor Gilbertson, Councilmembers Hardin, Zimmerman, <br />Beyer and Peterson. Voting No: None. <br /> <br />City Council/January 26, 1993 <br /> Page 8 of 11 <br /> <br /> <br />